Pakistan’s largest telecom merger between Telenor Pakistan and Ufone has entered a challenging phase. The newly combined company, operating under the ‘e&’ brand, is expected to cut hundreds of jobs as part of a major restructuring plan.
The merger, which was officially completed recently after approvals from regulators, including the Islamabad High Court, aims to create a stronger player in Pakistan’s competitive telecom market. However, sources say overlapping roles in departments like administration, marketing, finance, and customer service will lead to workforce rationalization. The process has already started and may continue over the coming months.
Telenor Pakistan and Ufone together serve millions of customers. The merger was intended to improve services, expand 4G and future 5G networks, and increase efficiency. PTCL, which owns Ufone, acquired Telenor to strengthen its position against market leader Jazz. The new entity is expected to benefit from better resources and technology sharing.
While the merger promises long-term growth and better services for customers, it brings uncertainty for employees. The company may offer severance packages or reassignments to affected staff.
This development highlights the tough choices in Pakistan’s telecom sector as companies try to stay competitive amid high operational costs and rapid technological changes. Customers may see improved services in the future, but the immediate impact on jobs is a concern for many families.
